Pat Tillman's mom asks why Prince Harry was given award named after her son: 'I am shocked'

Each year, ESPN presents the Pat Tillman Award for Service to a person or group of people who have raised the standard for humanity in sports.

On June 27, it was announced Prince Harry, would be honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards. This award will recognize the Duke of Sussex's founding and continued involvement in the Invictus Games.

Pat Tillman's mother spoke out against the controversial choice, saying she believes Prince Harry was not the best choice for the award.

"I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award," Mary Tillman told the Daily Mail.

"There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans," Tillman said. "These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized."

In response to the criticism, ESPN doubled down in explaining why Prince Harry and Invictus Games Foundation were selected.

"ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world," ESPN said in a statement responding to this criticism. "While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, the Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating."

The Pat Tillman Foundation did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday morning.

Who is Pat Tillman?

Many regard Pat Tillman as the gold standard for American athletes. A true leader, both on the field and in his personal life, Tillman is widely recognized for his generosity and selflessness.

While attending Arizona State University, Tillman led his team to the 1997 Rose Bowl after an undefeated season and earned three consecutive selections to the Pac-10 All-Academic Football Team, among many other academic and athletic achievements.

Tillman was drafted to the Arizona Cardinals in the 1998 NFL Draft and broke the franchise record for tackles in 2000 as the team's starting safety. But after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Tillman traded in his jersey and joined the U.S. Army. In 2004, he was killed by friendly fire.

What is the Pat Tillman Award for Service?

The Pat Tillman Foundation continues to honor his legacy through a number of programs, like its Tillman Scholar Program which awards military service members, veterans, and spouses based on merit. The Pat Tillman Award for Service has a similar goal: recognize and reward selfless individuals.

Last year, the Buffalo Bills training staff was awarded for their life-saving response to Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest during a game in January. Other recipients include Marcus Rashford, an English soccer player who raised millions of donations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Joshua Sweeney, a U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team forward who paved the way for adaptive sports.

What are the Invictus Games?

The Invictus Games are an adaptive athletic competition for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women created by Prince Harry. Since its inception in 2014, the Invictus Games Foundation has hosted five games, including its first in London and its latest in Düsseldorf. In 2025, the event will be hosted in Vancouver and expand its range of winter adaptive sports.

According to its website, the internationally recognized foundation aims to offer a recovery pathway for those affected by their time serving and opportunities for post-traumatic growth, "enabling those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity and future, beyond injury."